Type head positioning apparatus

ABSTRACT

The type head of a typewriter or like business machine is turned about perpendicular axes by two incremental links in order to place a character selected by actuation of a key, in a printing position. Each incremental link is placed in a plurality of angular positions by two eccentric means which are coupled or disengaged from two drive shafts under the control of electromagnetic means energized by key switches.

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TYPE I'IEAD POSI'IIONING APPARATUS BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Power-operated typewriters, accounting machines, and like business machines are known in which a printing head or type head, which has a plurality of circular rows of character types, is turned to place a selected character in a position in which it can make an imprint when the type head is tilted.

The type head is connected with selector keys or remotely controlled selector switches by a selector mechanism which effects the turning of the type head about two axes until the character type corresponding to an actuated key is located opposite a printing surface. The state of the art is represented by the U.S. Pats. No. 3,256,969 and No. 2,919,002, and by the German Pat. No. 1,158,102.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is one object of the invention to provide a type head positioning apparatus of simple and compact construction, which reliably and accurately operates, and positions the type head in a selected position at high speed.

Another object of the invention is to avoid impacts between parts producing noise.

Another object of the invention is to provide a type head positioning apparatus which obtains exactly spaced imprints and regular appearance of the typed text. v

Another object of the invention is to provide a type head positioning apparatus consisting of few parts connected by few joints having little play.

Another object of the invention is to provide a type head positioning apparatus whose parts are always positively connected with the drive means.

It is known that sinusoidal speed variations of mechanical parts permit the continuous variation of the speed of moving mechanical parts at high speed and with a minimum of wear.

It is another object of the invention to position the type head at a high speed under the control of parts moving at a sinusoidal varying speed so that a high writing speed can be obtained.

The objects of the invention are obtained by setting the type head with the character types in each of a plurality of planes by incremental link. Each link is angularly displaced by a pair of eccentric means which are connected by clutch means with motor-driven shafts. Transmissions connect each incremental link with the type head for turning the same about two perpendicular axes. Any kind oftransmission may be used.

An embodiment of the invention by which the type head can be turned about one axis, comprises two driven shaft means; a pair of eccentric means mounted on the shaft means; a pair of clutch means mounted on the shaft means, each having a coupling position connecting one of the eccentric means with the respective shaft means; a pair of control means for the clutch means, each control means having first and second positions for moving the respective clutch means to the coupling position and, after angular displacement of the respective shaft means and eccentric means for a predetermined angle, back to a disengaged position; a pair of operating means for moving the control means between the first and second positions of the same; a plurality of selector means, such as keys, respectively associated with different characters, each selector means controlling the pair of operating means, such as electromagnetic means, in accordance with a code so that the eccentric means are placed in a plurality of different relative angular positions when different selector means are actuated; an elongated incremental link engaged by the two eccentric means at longitudinally spaced points and placed by the same in different angular incrementally spaced positions when the two eccentric means are in different relative angular positions; a type head having a plurality of character types associated with the selector means, respectively; and transmission means connecting the in incremental link with the type head.

Upon actuation of any selector means, the type head is turned to a position in which the character type associated with the actuated selector means or key is disposed for printing, whereupon the type head is tilted to make an imprint.

Since the type head has not only to be turned for selecting one of the character types of a circular row for printing, but also turned about a second axis for selecting one of the circular rows of character types, the preferred embodiment of the invention comprises a second pair of eccentric means mounted on the two shaft means, respectively, a second pair of clutch means, a second pair of control means, a second pair of operating means controlled by each selector means, a second incremental link engaged by the second pair of eccentiic means, and a second transmission connecting the second incremental link with the type head.

Upon actuation of any selector means or key, the two transmissions angularly displace the type head about first and second axes under the control of the two incremental links until the character type associated with the actuated selector means is disposed for printing opposite a printing surface.

If two eccentric means cooperate with the incremental link, and each eccentric means is turned an angle of four angular positions of the incremental link, and of the type head can be obtained.

In order to obtain a greater number of angular positions of the incremental link, and of the type head, as required for selection of a character type froma circular row of character types on the type head, instead of a pair of eccentric disks, a pair of eccentric means is used, each of which includes an inner eccentric disk and an outer eccentric disk, each of which can be turned independently angles of 180. By variations of the relative positions of each inner and outer eccentric disk relative to each other and to the respective other inner and outer eccentric disks, 16 angular positions of the incremental link can be obtained, and the type head can be turned about one axis to 16 angular positions in which 16 different character types are positioned for printing.

The novel features which are considered as characteristic for the invention are set forth in particular in the appended claims. The invention itself, however, both as to its construction and its method of operation, together with additional objects and advantages thereof, will be best understood from the following description of specific embodiments when read in connection with the accompanying drawing.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING FIG. 1 is a fragmentary schematic perspective view illustrating a selector mechanism for turning a type head about one axis, and for tilting the type head to a printing position;

FIG. 2 is a fragmentary schematic perspective view illustrating a selector mechanism for turning a type head of the embodiment of FIG. l about a second axis;

FIG. 3 is a fragmentary elevation illustrating parts shown in FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a fragmentary schematic plan view illustrating the embodiment of FIGS. l and 2 an including a diagram illustrating the electric circuit of the invention;

FIG. 4a is a side elevation illustrating a selector key;

FIG. 5 is a sectional view illustrating a detail of the carriage supporting the type head;

FIG. 6 is a fragmentary elevation illustrating a first incremental link in accordance with the invention;

FIG. 7 is a fragmentary plan view of the incremental link shown in FIG. 6;

FIG. 8 is a fragmentary elevation illustrating a second incremental link provided with double eccentric means in accordance with the invention; shown in its lowest angular position;

FIG. 9 is a fragmentary elevation corresponding to FIG. 8 showing the incremental link in an other angular position, the schematically indicating 16 angular positions of the incremental link;

FIG. l is a fragmentary schematic perspective view illustrating the type head supporting carriage and the platen of the typewriter; and

FIG. I1 is a fragmentary axial sectional view illustrating a clutch used in the apparatus of the invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, spherical type head l has two substantially semispherical shells 2 on which character types 3 are arranged in circular rows concentric with an axis A and in arcuate columns concentric with a vertical axis B. A pinion 4 connects the two semispherical or segment-shaped parts 2, and is secured with the same to a shaft 5 which is supported in bearings of a fork-shaped support 8 which is secured to a tube l l. Another shaft 6 is also mounted in the fork-shaped support 8 and carries a pressure roller 7 which is in rolling engagement with the rear edge of a rack bar 10 which meshes with pinion 4 without play. When rack bar l0 is moved up or down, type head l is turned by pinion 4 about the axis A' so that the columns of four character types 3 successively pass the surface of a platen 28, as shown in FIG. 4. Tube ll is mounted for turning movement about the axis B0 in a support tube l4 which is secured to a U-shaped bail whose legs are mounted on pivot screws 19, in lateral walls 16 and 17 of a closed casing I8. The bottom surface of the fork-shaped support 8 rests on the annular upper end face of support tube 14. A rubber collar 18a is secured along one annular edge to the housing 18, and at its other annular edge to the support tube 14 in order to permit tilting of the support tube I4 with the bail l5 about the axis defined by pivot screws 19 and 20 to a printing position in which one of the character types 3 engages a sheet on the platen 28. An opening of sufficient size is provided in the top plate of housing 18 for support tube 14 so that the sarne can be displaced during the printing operation.

As shown in FIG. l, a lever arm 21 with a fork-shaped end portion 24 is secured by screws 22 and 23 to one leg of bail 15 so that angular displacement of an eccentric disk 50 causes tilting movement of bail l5 with type head l.

As best seen in FIG. l0, the housing 18 is closed on all sides and supports the type head in tubular support 14. A character type-selecting mechanism is enclosed in the box-shaped housing 18 which has only one opening out of which a cable 2S projects in which insulated wires leading to electromagnets in housing 18 are combined.

As best shown in FIG. 4, shafts 80 and 37 are mounted in the sidewalls I6 and 17 of housing 18 and carry meshing gears 8l and 36. A gear 35 meshes with gear 36, and is mounted on a main drive shaft 26 for turning movement with the same, and for axial movement along the same, a key groove 27 being provided in shaft 26. Gears 8l, 36 and 35 have the same diameter so that shafts 80 and 37 rotate at the same speed as the main drive shaft 26 which extends parallel to the platen 28 and has such a length that housing 18 can be moved with the type head l the entire length of platen 28 while shafts 80 and 37 are continuously driven by main drive shaft 26. Rails 3l extend parallel to platen 28, and rollers 30 and 32 are mounted on four downwardly projecting brackets on the bottom plate of housing 18 and are in rolling engagement with rails 29 and 3I for transporting the housing I8 which performs the function of a carriage for the type head. The rail 3l is partly embraced by an angular holder 33 so that housing I8 cannot be tilted o` rail 31.

As mentioned above, an eccentric disk 50 cooperates with the fork-shaped end 24 of an arm 21 secured to bail 1S for tilting the type head. Eccentric disk S0 is mounted in shaft 37 which turns in the direction of the arrow D, as shown in FIG. l. A clutch 40 I has a disengaged position, and a coupling position connecting shaft 37 with eccentric disk 50. In addition to clutch 40 I, clutches 40 III, 40 lV, and 40 VII are provided on shaft 37 while corresponding clutches 40 II, 40 V, and 40 VI are provided on shaft 80 which rotates in synchronism with shaft 80 due to the meshing gears 8l, 36.

Clutch 40 l is shown is FIG. 11, but the other clutches 40 Il to 40 VII are of the same type as clutch 40 I. The specific construction of clutches 40 I to 40 VII is not and object of the invention.

Referring now to FIG. 1I, a first clutch part 4l is fixed to shaft 37 by a pin 42, and rotates with shaft 37 which extends into a bearing in sidewall 16 of housing 18. A second clutch part in the form of a bushing 43 is freely tumable on shaft 37 and secured against axial movement by engagement with wall I6. In FIG. ll, the eccentric member 50 is shown to be secured to clutch part 43, and it will be understood that other eccentric means are secured to the clutch parts 43 of the clutches 40 Il to 40 VII, as will be described hereinafter.

The second clutch part 43 has a recess 45 engaged by a bent end portion 46 of a coil spring 45 which surrounds clutch parts 43 and 4l, and is wound with pretension against the rotation of shaft 37. Pressure against the bent end portion 48 causes spreading of coil spring 47 so that clutch part 4l is not engaged by coil spring 47 and clutch part 41 is disengaged from clutch part 43, and shaft 37 cannot drive eccentric disk 50.

When the pressure against the bent end portion 48 by a projection 52 of a control lever 5l is relieved, the pretension of coil spring 47 results in coupling clutch parts 4l and 43 for rotation together so that torque is transmitted from shaft 37 to eccentric 50.

As shown in FIG. l, control lever 5l is mounted on a supporting bracket 53 for angular movement, and has a lower end connected to the armature of an electromagnet I which operates control lever 51 against the action of a spring 54 to effect movement of clutch 40 I between disengaged and coupling positions. Since shaft 37 rotates in counterclockwise direction D, as viewed in FIG. l, projection 52 on control lever S1 points downward for engaging the end portion 48 of the coil spring 47. Since projection 52 is engaged by the end portion 48 of spring 47 after each revolution of shaft 37, the clutch 40 l and control lever 51 constitute a one revolution clutch. Normally, end portion 48 abuts the lower surface of projection 52 and spring 47 is spread so that shaft 37 does not drive eccentric disk 50. When a signal is transmitted to electromagnet I and control lever Sl displaced to release end portion 48, the pretension spring 47 contracts and the clutch 40 l is engaged so that eccentric disk 50 is rotated for causing a tilting movement of the type head. The pulse transmitted to electromagnet I is short, so that spring 54 returns control lever 5l to its operative position before one revolution is completed, so that the spring end portion 48 engages after one revolution projection 5l and spring 47 is spread to disengage the driven coupling part 37 whereby the clutch is disconnected. During the single revolution of eccentric disk 50, motion is transmitted by arm 21 to bail I5 and support tube I4 so that type head l is tilted to make an imprint and then return to its normal position.

A clutch 40 III constructed as described with reference to FIG. II, is mounted on another portion of shaft 37. Instead of eccentric disk 50, a coupling disk 551 is secured to the freely rotatable clutch part 43, while clutch part 4l is secured to shaft 37. Coupling disk 551 has a slot S6I into which a coupling pin 571 secured to an outer eccentric disk 581, projects. A free end portion of the coil spring of clutch 40 Ill cooperates with control means 591,601 by which coupling disk 551, and therewith outer eccentric disk 581, are rotated l upon each actuation of clutch 40 III. The control means include two control levers 591 and 601 having projections of which only projection 631 is visible, cooperating with the end portion of spring 47 of clutch 40 III. Pivots 59 and 60 on a stationary bracket 6I support the control levers for pivotal movement, and a spring 62 connects the control levers 591 and 601 whose lower ends are connected with the armature of an electromagnet III. Projection 631 points downward, while projection 64I, not shown, on control lever 601, points upward.

When electromagnet III is energized by a pulse, control levers 59I and 601 are displaced, and projection 631 releases the clutch spring so that the clutch III engages and turns coupling disk 551 an angle of 180 at which point the projection of the other control lever control 601 disengages clutch 40 III so that coupling disk 551, and outer eccentric disk 581 stop after turning 180. Since control levers 601 and 591 are connected by spring 62, each control lever follows the movement of the other.

The outer eccentric disk 581 is mounted on the circular periphery of an inner eccentric disk 651 which is connected with a clutch 40 IV controlled by control levers 691 and 681 pivotally mounted on a support 66 and connected by spring 71. Control levers 691 and 681 have an upward projection 709 and a downward projection 681, respectively, and are connected with the armature of an electromagnet IV, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 4. As described with reference to control levers 601 and 591, control levers 691 and 671 effect turning of the inner eccentric disk 651 for 180 when electromagnet IV is energized by a pulse.

As shown in FIGS. 2 and 4, a further clutch 40 VII is provided on shaft 37 and is controlled by a pair of control levers 721 and 731 connected by spring 77 and pivotally mounted on support 76. Electromagnet VII by whose armature control levers 721 and 731 are operated, is not shown in FIG. 2, but schematically shown in FIG. 4. Control lever 731 has an upwardly pointing projection 751, and control lever 721 has an downwardly pointing projection 741 cooperating with the clutch spring of clutch 40 VII. Clutch 40 VII serves for turning the eccentric disk 781 angles of 180 when electromagnet V11 is energized by pulse. While the outer eccentric disk 581 is located in the slot 82 of a first incremental link 83, as best seen in FIG. 1, eccentric disk 781 is located in a slot 89 of a second incremental link 90, as best seen in FIG. 2.

A second shaft 80, parallel to shaft 37 and to platen 28, is also mounted in casing 18 and carries clutches 40 II, 40 V, 40 VI, operated by electromagnets II, V, VI, as schematically shown in FIG. 4. The arrangement of the clutches 40 VI, 40 V, 40 1I, corresponds to the arrangement of the clutches 40 VII, 40 IV and 40 III on shaft 37, and the clutches control corresponding eccentn'c means. FIG. 1 shows an inner eccentric means 652 corresponding to inner eccentric means 651, and outer eccentric disk 582 corresponds to outer eccentric disk 581, the inner eccentric disk 652 being controlled by coupling 40 V and the outer eccentric disk 582 having a coupling pin 572 cooperating with the slot 562 of an eccentric disk 552 which is operated by clutch 40 Il.

Clutch 40 VI controls an eccentric disk 782 under the control of a pair of control levers, not shown, corresponding to control levers 721 and 731 as shown in FIG. 2.

Eccentric disks 781, 782 are located in the slot 89 of incremental link 90, while outer eccentric disks 581 and 582 are located in the slot 82 of incremental link 83, as best seen in FIG. 1.

The angular position of link 83 depends on the relative angular positions of the inner and outer eccentric disks 651, 581 and 652, 682, The angular position of link 90 depends on the relative angular position of eccentric disks 781 and 782.

The movement of link 83 under the control of the eccentric disks 581, 582 which engage opposite edges of slot 82, takes place in one plane which passes through the vertical axis of type head l. Two guide rollers 84, 85 engage the side faces of the link 83 and prevent lateral displacement. In order to obtain exact guidance of link 83, a fixed guide bar 86 is connected with link 83 by a joint pin 87. A rod 9 connected with rack bar is connected with another joint pin 88. Angular displacement of incremental link 83 will result in vertical displacement of rack bar 10, and of turning of type head 1 about the axis A.

The eccentric disks 781 and 782, see FIG. 2, have circular peripheral side faces engaging the longitudinal edges of the slot 89 and effect angular displacement of incremental link 90 in accordance with the relative angular position of the eccentric disks 781 and 782.

Link 90 has a fork-shaped head carrying a journal pin 91 connected with a support bar 92. A spherical roller 93 is also mounted on the fork-shaped head of link by means of a pivot pin 93, and is located in a fork-shaped end portion of a lever arm 96 of a double-arm lever mounted on a stationary support pin 97 and having a second lever arm 99 whose ballshaped end is located in a guide slot 13 in the arm 12 of tube 11 to which carrier 8 is secured.

As best seen in FIG. 7, the eccentric disk 781 has preferably a wheel flange 101, and eccentric disk 782 has preferably a wheel flange 100, the wheel flanges 101 and 100 being located on opposite sides of incremental link 90 to obtain lateral guidance of the same.

Electromagnets I to VII, which serve as operating devices for the control levers by which the eccentric means are stopped after rotation through are selectively energized by pulses in accordance with a code, and under the control of code switches which may be operated by remote control or by key levers respectively associated with the characters on the type head.

As shown in the diagram at the bottom portion of FIG. 4, each electromagnet I to VII is connected by a line LI to LVII with a source of voltage 105. A pair of switch contacts 109e is provided in each line LI to LVII, and cooperates with contacts 109 provided on key levers 107 operated by manual keys 106. FIG. 4a shows a key lever 107 tumable about a pivot 108 and having four code contacts 109 arranged to energize electromagnets I, II, III and VI, while not energizing the other electromagnets IV, V and VII. Other key levers may have differently arranged code contacts 109 to obtain a different combination of energized electromagnets, each code combination of electromagnets being associated with a different character or symbol, as are the key means 106, 107. Electromagnet l will cause the tilting movement of the type head required for producing an imprinted of a selected character type, since electromagnet I cooperates with control lever 51 of clutch 40 I which controls the eccentric disk 50 by which arm 21 and bail 15 are tilted with support tube 14 and the type head l. Since this tilting movement requires a forward and rearward stroke during one revolution of the shaft, only one control lever 51 cooperates with the clutch spring of clutch 40 I, as shown in FIGS. 1 and l1.

Since incremental link 90 is controlled by a pair of single eccentric disks 781 and 782, it can assume four different angular positions 90a, 90b, 90cand 90d, assuming that the clutches and control means are constructed to stop each eccentric disk whose electromagnet was energized after rotation for 180. In the position of incremental link 90, shown in FIG. 6, the eccentric disks 781, 782 are oppositely positioned so that link 90 is in the position of maximum displacement 90d, and if both eccentric disks 781 and 782 would be turned an angle of 180, link 90 would be in the other extreme position 90a. When one or the other eccentric disk 781 or 782 is turned an angle of 180, while the other remains in its previous position since its electromagnet was not energized, the intermediate positions 90b and 901: can be assumed. Consequently, the end portion of link 90 will be guided alongthe vertical support 92 between four positions, and the angular lever 96, 99 will be displaced between four equally spaced angular positions whereby the type head 1 is also turned between four angular positions in which the four character types of the respective columns of character types are moved past platen 28. The code switches on the respective selector key means 106, 107 have such a position that a type head is stopped when the circular row of character types 3 in which the selected character type is located, is placed opposite the writing surface by angular displacement of incremental link 90 in accordance with the position of the eccentric disks 781 and 782, see FIGS. 2, 3 and 6.

FIGS. 8 and 9 show two angular positions of incremental link 83. By turning the outer eccentric disks 581 and 582 angles of 180, the four angular positions explained with reference to incremental link 90 and FIG. 6, can be obtained. However, the inner eccentric disks 651 and 652 can also be independently turned angles of 180 relative to each other and to the outer eccentric disks 581 and 582 so that all together 16 angular positions of incremental link 83 can be obtained, as schematically shown in FIG. 9 in which link 83 is in the second lowest position 83h of the I6 possible angular positions 83a to 83 p.

FIG. 8 shows incremental link 83 in the lowest angular position in which the eccentricties a and b of eccentric means 582, 652 are added in one direction, while the eccentricties c and d of the eccentric means 651 and 581 are added in the opposite direction.

By suitable selection the eccentricties a, b, c and d of the inner and outer eccentric disks, 16 equal incremental distances of joint pin 88, bar 9 and rack bar 10 can be obtained.

As shown in FIG. 4 and a, the information regarding the selected character can be entered into the machine by operation of a key 106, but it is also possible to close selected contacts 109a by remote control. The combination of code contacts 109 on key lever 107 corresponds to a particular character which is associated with a specific angular position of incremental link 83, and a specific angular position of incremental link 90.

In the arrangement of FIG. 4 and 4a, the four code contacts 109 are associated with the electromagnets l, II, III and VI which are energized when the respective 106 is depressed.

In order to imprint a selected character on a paper sheet on platen 28 by a tilting motion of type head 1 together with bail l about pivot screws 19 and 20, three operations are required.

l. Rack bar 10 must turn type head 1 in the direction of the arrow A about horizontal axis A so that a column of character types 3 including the selected character is placed opposite the platen.

2. Type head l must be turned in the direction of the arrow B about the vertical axis B until the selected character type in the already properly positioned column of character types is located opposite the platen.

3. The type head 1 must be tilted toward and away from platen 28 in the direction of the arrow C for effecting the imprint.

The two movements of head 1 in the directions of the arrows A and B, and the tilting movement in the direction of the arrow C, may follow each other, but it is possible to start simultaneously all three movements of the type head under consideration of the fact that the two selecting movements in the directions of the arrows A and B must be terminated when the printing movement in the direction of the arrow C takes place.

In the example illustrated in FIG. 4, electromagnets II and III are energized so that they operate their respective control means. For example, electromagnet III operates control means 601, 591 of clutch 40 Ill to cause rotations of coupling disk 551 an angle of 180, and the same operation is carried out with coupling disk 552 by the energized electromagnet ll. Since each coupling disk 551 and 551 is coupled by a pin 571,572 with the outer eccentric disk 581,582, respectively, the outer eccentric disks are displaced angles of 180 whereby the angular position of incremental link 83 is changed. Bar 9 is vertically displaced together with rack bar l0, and type head 1 is turned about the axis A until a column of character types 3 including the character selected by operation of a key 106, is located opposite the printing surface on platen 28. ln the example, the inner eccentric disks 651 and 652 are not angularly displaced since the respective electromagnets IV and V are not energized by contacts 109 on key lever 107.

A contact 109 closes contact 10911 of electromagnet VI which, as best seen in FIG. 4, is associated with clutch 40 VI on shaft 8 by which eccentric disk 782 is actuated to turn 180.

While the control levers for clutch 40 VI are not illustrated, they correspond to control levers 721 and 731 shown in FIG. 2. If electromagnet Vll would have been energized, eccentric disk 781 would have been turned an angle of 180. After energization of this respective electromagnet, the upwardly pointing nose of one control lever releases the angular end portion 48 of the respective clutch, while at the same time due to the action of the spring connecting the two control levers, the other control lever is displaced to a position in which its downwardly projecting nose is located in the path of turning movement of the end portion of the clutch spring and engages the same after half a revolution of the eccentric disk with shaft 37.

When incrementa] link has been displaced in this manner to a new angular position corresponding to the different relative angular position of the respective eccentric disks 781 and 782, the spherical roller 94 is displaced and turns angular lever 96,99 with arm 12 and tube 11 so that carrier 8 turns the type head about the vertical axis B' to an angular position in which the selected character type of the already selected column is placed opposite a printing surface.

After the selected character has been placed in a position of readiness by the angular displacement of the incremental links 83 and 90, clutch 40 1 is energized. A delay may be obtained by delaying thennal switch not shown.

As explained above, the energization of electromagnetl obtains and angular displacement of eccentric disk 50 for an angle of so that the type head is actuated to perform the tilting movement with a tilting bail 15. Since a printing and a return stroke are required, only a single control lever 51 controls clutch 40 I so that each energization of electromagnet I causes turning of eccentric disk through one full revolution.

When other character types 3 are to be selected, a different combination of electromagnets Il to VII is energized by selector keys 106, or respective combination of electromagnets is energized in accordance with a program providing control signals from a storage for closing the respective selector contacts 109.

As shown in FIG. 10, casing 18 which carries the type head 1, is a carriage mounted for movement along the clutches However, it is possible to stationarily mount casing 18 and type head 2 and to move the platen with a standard paper carriage past the type head.

It will be understood that the clutches described in connection with the apparatus of the invention, may be replaced by other clutches capable of transmitting rotary motion during half a revolution, or a single revolution.

It will be understood that each of the elements described above, or two or more together, may also find a useful application in other types of typewriters provided with a rotary-type head differing from the types described above.

While the invention has been illustrated and described as embodied in a type head positioning apparatus including incremental links whose angular position is determined by eccentric disks, it is not intended to be limited to the details shown, since various modification and structural changes may be made without departing in any way from the spirit of the present invention.

What is claimed as new and desired o be protected by Letters Patent is set forth in the appended claims;

1. Type head positioning apparatus comprising, in combination a pair of drive shafts; first and second pairs of eccentric means, the eccentriv means of each pair being mounted on said driven shaft means, respectively, first and second pairs of one-way clutch means mounted on said shaft means, respectively, each clutch having a disengaged position and a coupling position connecting the respective shaft means with the respective eccentric means for angular movement with the same; first and second pairs of control means for said first and second pairs of clutch means, respectively, each control means having first and second positions for moving the respective clutch means to said coupling position, and back to said disengaged position after angular displacement of the respective eccentric means for a predetermined angle; first and second pairs of operating means connected with said first and second pairs of control means, respectively, for moving the said control means between said first and second positions; a plurality of selector means respectively associated with alphanumerical characters, each selector means controlling said first and second pairs of operating means in accordance with a code so that said eccentric means of each of said first and second pairs of eccentric means are placed in different angular positions relative to the respective other selector means of the respective pair when different selector means are actuated; first and second rigid incremental links mounted on said eccentric means of said first and second pairs of eccentric means, respectively, and engaged by the same at two longitudinally spaced points, respectively, for being placed in different angular incrementally spaced positions when the respective eccentric means of said first and second pairs of eccentric means are in said different angular positions; mounting means; a type head supported on said mounting means for angular movement about first and second axes perpendicular to each other, said type head having character types associated with said characters of said selector means, respectively, and disposed in a plurality of circular rows concentric with said first axis and forming arcuate columns concentric with said second axis; first and second transmissions connecting said first and second incremental links, respectively, with said type head so that upon movement of a selector means associated with a character, said first and second incremental links and said first and second transmissions angularly displace said type head about said first and second axes, respectively, to a position in which the character type associated with the character of the actuated selector means is disposed for printing.

2. Apparatus as claimed in claim l wherein said eccentric means of said first pair of eccentric means each includes an inner circular eccentric disk, and an outer annular eccentric disk mounted on the periphery of said inner eccentric disk for turning movement; and wherein said clutch means connect said inner and outer eccentric disks of the same eccentric means with the same shaft means.

3. Apparatus as claimed in claim ll wherein each selector means includes a set of code switches; wherein each operating device includes an electromagnet; and comprising electric circuit means connecting said sets of code switches with said electromagnets.

4l. Apparatus as claimed in claim l wherein each control means include a pair of pivotally mounted control levers movable between said first and second positions for moving the respective clutch means to said coupling position, and after angular displacement of 180 back to said disengaged position.

5. Apparatus as claimed in claim l comprising a support bar for guiding one end of one of said incremental links along a straight path in one direction; and wherein each eccentric means includes a circular eccentric disk and a wheel flange on said disk, said wheel flanges engaging opposite sides of said one incremental link adjacent said slot for laterally guiding said one incremental link.

6. Apparatus as claimed in claim t wherein said first transmission includes a rack bar connected with one end of said first incremental link for longitudinal movement between equally spaced positions, and a pinion meshing with said rack bar and being secured to said type head for rotation with the same about said first axis.

7. Apparatus as claimed in claim 6 wherein said second transmission includes an angular lever connected with one end of said second incremental link, a shaft tumable about said second axis and having an arm connected with said angular lever, said shaft having a carrier portion tumable with said type head about said second axis, and supporting said type head for turning movement about said second axis.

8. Apparatus as claimed in claim 1 comprising a casing enveloping said eccentric means, said clutch means, said control means said operating means, said incremental links, said transmissions, and said mounting means so that said type head is supported on said casing; and wherein said two shafts are supported on said casing and pass through the same.

9. Apparatus as claimed in claim 8 comprising an elongated platen extending in one direction; rail means suBportin said casing for movement in said one direction so t at sai type head moves along said platen; a drive shaft means extending in said one direction parallel to said platen and passing through a portion of said casing; a gear mounted on said drive shaft means in said casing portion movable relative to said dn've shaft means in axial direction of the same while being connected for rotation with the same; gear mounted on said two driven shaft means respectively, and being in meshing connection with said gear so that said driven shaft means rotate in synchronism with said drive shaft means and said casing can move as a carriage along said rail means.

l0. Apparatus as claimed in claim 9 wherein said first and second pairs of operating means include electromagnets; comprising a cable connected with said electromagnets and including a plurality of conductors respectively connected to said electromagnets; a selector switch connected with each conductor, said selector means including contacts arranged in accordance with a code for selectively closing said selector switches.

1l. Apparatus as claimed in claim l0 wherein said first and second rigid incremental links have first and second longitudinal slots, respectively; and wherein said eccentric means of said first and second pairs of eccentric means include first and second eccentric circular disks, respectively, having a diameter equal to the transverse dimension of said first and second slots in the respective first and second links, and being located in said first and second slots, respectively, in sliding engagement with the longitudinal edges of the same, said first and second circular disks engaging said first and second slots, respectively, at longitudinally spaced points so that relative turning of said first and second disks, respectively, causes angular displacements of said first and second rigid incremental links. 

1. Type head positioning apparatus comprising, in combination a pair of drive shafts; first and second pairs of eccentric means, the eccentric means of each pair being mounted on said driven shaft means, respectively, first and second pairs of one-way clutch means mounted on said shaft means, respectively, each clutch having a disengaged position and a coupling position connecting the respective shaft means with the respective eccentric means for angular movement with the same; first and second pairs of control means for said first and second pairs of clutch means, respectively, each control means having first and second positions for moving the respective clutch means to said coupling position, and back to said disengaged position after angular displacement of the respective eccentric means for a predetermined angle; first and second pairs of operating means connected with said first and second pairs of control means, respectively, for moving the said control means between said first and second positions; a plurality of selector means respectively associated with alphanumerical characters, each selector means controlling said first and second pairs of operating means in accordance with a code so that said eccentric means of each of said first and second pairs of eccentric means are placed in different angular positions relative to the respective other selector means of the respective pair when different selector means are actuated; first and second rigid incremental links mounted on said eccentric means of said first and second pairs of eccentric means, respectively, and engaged by the same at two longitudinally spaced points, respectively, for being placed in different angular incrementally spaced positions when the respective eccentric means of said first and second pairs of eccentric means are in said different angular positions; mounting means; a type head supported on said mounting means for angular movement about first and second axes perpendicular to each other, said type head having character types associated with said characters of said selector means, respectively, and disposed in a plurality of circular rows concEntric with said first axis and forming arcuate columns concentric with said second axis; first and second transmissions connecting said first and second incremental links, respectively, with said type head so that upon movement of a selector means associated with a character, said first and second incremental links and said first and second transmissions angularly displace said type head about said first and second axes, respectively, to a position in which the character type associated with the character of the actuated selector means is disposed for printing.
 2. Apparatus as claimed in claim 1 wherein said eccentric means of said first pair of eccentric means each includes an inner circular eccentric disk, and an outer annular eccentric disk mounted on the periphery of said inner eccentric disk for turning movement; and wherein said clutch means connect said inner and outer eccentric disks of the same eccentric means with the same shaft means.
 3. Apparatus as claimed in claim 1 wherein each selector means includes a set of code switches; wherein each operating device includes an electromagnet; and comprising electric circuit means connecting said sets of code switches with said electromagnets.
 4. Apparatus as claimed in claim 1 wherein each control means include a pair of pivotally mounted control levers movable between said first and second positions for moving the respective clutch means to said coupling position, and after angular displacement of 180* back to said disengaged position.
 5. Apparatus as claimed in claim 1 comprising a support bar for guiding one end of one of said incremental links along a straight path in one direction; and wherein each eccentric means includes a circular eccentric disk and a wheel flange on said disk, said wheel flanges engaging opposite sides of said one incremental link adjacent said slot for laterally guiding said one incremental link.
 6. Apparatus as claimed in claim 1 wherein said first transmission includes a rack bar connected with one end of said first incremental link for longitudinal movement between equally spaced positions, and a pinion meshing with said rack bar and being secured to said type head for rotation with the same about said first axis.
 7. Apparatus as claimed in claim 6 wherein said second transmission includes an angular lever connected with one end of said second incremental link, a shaft turnable about said second axis and having an arm connected with said angular lever, said shaft having a carrier portion turnable with said type head about said second axis, and supporting said type head for turning movement about said second axis.
 8. Apparatus as claimed in claim 1 comprising a casing enveloping said eccentric means, said clutch means, said control means, said operating means, said incremental links, said transmissions, and said mounting means so that said type head is supported on said casing; and wherein said two shafts are supported on said casing and pass through the same.
 9. Apparatus as claimed in claim 8 comprising an elongated platen extending in one direction; rail means supporting said casing for movement in said one direction so that said type head moves along said platen; a drive shaft means extending in said one direction parallel to said platen and passing through a portion of said casing; a gear mounted on said drive shaft means in said casing portion movable relative to said drive shaft means in axial direction of the same while being connected for rotation with the same; gear mounted on said two driven shaft means respectively, and being in meshing connection with said gear so that said driven shaft means rotate in synchronism with said drive shaft means and said casing can move as a carriage along said rail means.
 10. Apparatus as claimed in claim 9 wherein said first and second pairs of operating means include electromagnets; comprising a cable connected with said electromagnets and including a plurality of conductors respectively cOnnected to said electromagnets; a selector switch connected with each conductor, said selector means including contacts arranged in accordance with a code for selectively closing said selector switches.
 11. Apparatus as claimed in claim 10 wherein said first and second rigid incremental links have first and second longitudinal slots, respectively; and wherein said eccentric means of said first and second pairs of eccentric means include first and second eccentric circular disks, respectively, having a diameter equal to the transverse dimension of said first and second slots in the respective first and second links, and being located in said first and second slots, respectively, in sliding engagement with the longitudinal edges of the same, said first and second circular disks engaging said first and second slots, respectively, at longitudinally spaced points so that relative turning of said first and second disks, respectively, causes angular displacements of said first and second rigid incremental links. 